Auto tire chains

diesel lover · Sep 10, 2014

Last winter turned out to be tough having a 2wd Pickup. I have a 97 F150, long bed open differential. I was thinking about gettting two studded tires for the rear, but im finding only a few places that stud tires and they only like to stud brand new tires that you bought from them. I may still buy two new all season/ or snow tires. I find my kelly safari tires on the rear of my truck have hard rubber and that was part of the problem with my winter traction. Money is still tight, but i honestly think buying two tire chains for the rear would be worth it for some of the emergancys I had last year. I got lucky. Although I pulled out a few stuck vehicles, I was trying to make it up a Badly iced, hilly overpass and found myself sliding sideways down the hill. With tight traffic i had no way that i could have gained speed before hitting the hill. A pay loader driver removing snow was nice enough to straighten me out, and a guy with a 4wd truck was generous enough to pull me up the hill with my strap.

All that being said I do use weight in the bed of my pickup truck, bags of tube sand, and a bucket or two filled with road salt. I do plan on putting different tires on the rear that are more plyable. What tire chains could I get for an event like this? $60 spent is better than being stranded in -20F or colder.

https://www.etrailer.com/Tire-Chains/Titan Chain/TC2829CAM.html
https://www.etrailer.com/Tire-Chains/Glacier/PWPLC1144.html

A few search results from e trailer for 245/70/16 tire size. Thank you

Diamondpilot · Sep 10, 2014

With a open diff the chains will be minimal at best.

I remember your issues last year but living where we do you really need to find a way to get a 4x4 truck. Even going to a smaller truck to stay in budget will be better.

The other option is a locker in your rear diff.

Chris

Capricious · Sep 10, 2014

When I went from 4WD to 2WD back in 1982, I immediately bought a set of tire chains (the plain style).

Now on my 4th 2WD, and since then have used the chains (1) time. But I always have them*

Back in the old days, one could get a parking brake set-up for Volkswagon-based dune buggies where one could apply the brake to one rear wheel (differential braking- just like a tractor !). I would not mind having a set-up like that.

(* Did have to buy a new set when a new truck had different size wheels. Modified the old set for my garden tractor)

RedNeckRacin · Sep 10, 2014

I used tire chains on my open diff international 4700. The duals are terrible in the ice, but tire chains make it very manageable in the wintertime(I use dual tire chains meaning all 4 tires on the rear have chain on them). The open diff doesn't slow me down much either even when pulling a trailer. It really sucks throwing them on, but I wouldn't be able to get out of the driveway sometimes without them on!

The liability of studding used tires is why they won't do it. Snow tires are pretty cheap. Might even be able to find some already studded tires on craigslist.

diesel lover · Sep 11, 2014

Diamondpilot said:
With a open diff the chains will be minimal at best.

I remember your issues last year but living where we do you really need to find a way to get a 4x4 truck. Even going to a smaller truck to stay in budget will be better.

The other option is a locker in your rear diff.

Chris

Thanks for the reply. At some point I will be able to get a 4wd. A 4wd truck with two open differentials and decent tires is definately better than a locking diff and two wheel drive. My dad was giving me his 2000 gmc Sierra/ 4wd, 4.8 v8 with a manual engaging transfer case but he said he is not ready to part with it yet. I'm not wanting to get a 4wd truck if the price is double of the two wheel drive version. For example, when I was attempting to purchase a half ton truck I found my truck with 115k, needed repairs but it was 2000$. I found half ton trucks with 170+k for $4000! I have been very skeptical of these newer 4wd systems as well. They are complex for sure! Im sure I will find plenty of work removing snow again this year so as far as that goes I will be driving in the bad weather unfortunately.

diesel lover · Sep 11, 2014

Redneck, I completely understand where you are coming from. I have been around medium duty and heavy duty trucks removing snow and tire chains on duals make an unbelievable difference especially when the truck has one drive axle and not tandems.

From the description of your Int. 4700 you must have a type of tire chains called triples! I am familure with them! 2 chains will chain up four tires. The Worst part of having an open differential and tire chains on a single axle truck is once you loose one chain, your done! Your unchained tire or tires will spin. Seen it happen a few times with heavy trucks.

I am still considering 2 winter tires that are studded. The only down side is once they are atudded there is no logical reason to remove the studs. They are best saved for the worst days of winter

Capricious · Sep 11, 2014

"..I have been very skeptical of these newer 4wd systems..."

The 4WD I had over 3 decades ago had a manually-shifted transfer case, and manually-locking hubs.

That is what I would want in a new 4Wd, but I don't think you can get that anymore. Everything is vacuum/electric with push-buttons & solenoids.

And don't even get me started on independent front suspension vs. a nice, strong, solid, reliable one-piece front axle.

k0ua · Sep 11, 2014

Let me offer this alternative to the chains or studs for your 2wd pickup.. How about getting a set of Blizzak tires?. If you will research them the reports are rather positive. The downsides are that they are extremely soft, and don't perform well in hot weather. You would only want to put them on when snow is predicted and take them off when you feel the last snow/ice event is over for the season. Check them out and see what you think.

Bridgestone Winter / Snow Tires

RedNeckRacin · Sep 11, 2014

diesel lover said:
Redneck, I completely understand where you are coming from. I have been around medium duty and heavy duty trucks removing snow and tire chains on duals make an unbelievable difference especially when the truck has one drive axle and not tandems.

From the description of your Int. 4700 you must have a type of tire chains called triples! I am familure with them! 2 chains will chain up four tires. The Worst part of having an open differential and tire chains on a single axle truck is once you loose one chain, your done! Your unchained tire or tires will spin. Seen it happen a few times with heavy trucks.

I am still considering 2 winter tires that are studded. The only down side is once they are atudded there is no logical reason to remove the studs. They are best saved for the worst days of winter

Yes I meant triple chains and they are the only way to go for medium duty trucks. The bungies really help to keep the chains where they need to be as does checking them regularly. They just dont make a good winter tire for them. I second k0ua's post about the winter tires. They have come along way in recent years. Either way with a cheap set of studded tires or a good set of winter tires, make sure you have different sneakers for the summer time. Winter tires tend to wear very quickly.

RobertN · Sep 11, 2014

From the title, I thought you were asking about these
Onspot of North America
They work on our fire engines in light snow.

diesel lover · Sep 16, 2014

RedNeckRacin said:
I used tire chains on my open diff international 4700. The duals are terrible in the ice, but tire chains make it very manageable in the wintertime(I use dual tire chains meaning all 4 tires on the rear have chain on them). The open diff doesn't slow me down much either even when pulling a trailer. It really sucks throwing them on, but I wouldn't be able to get out of the driveway sometimes without them on!
QUOTE]
So i have to ask what are you using your meduim duty international for in the winter? Sounds like your hauling equipment around to plow snow? Do you have to drive down the road with your chains on? Pictures would be great if possible, thanks

Wolfy · Sep 16, 2014

Be carefull with a locked diff in the winter. You can slide out of control and end up off the road.

RedNeckRacin · Sep 16, 2014

Actually, I used to haul hay alot in the winter time. So half the trip was unloaded and not fun. The trailer fully loaded wasn't any better for traction since it wasn't heavy enough to load the rear axle even with new M+S tires. The township roads sometimes I do chain up one if there is a significant grade or the road conditions are poor. I have been known to go rescue some broken down vehicles in the winter time as well.

Verticaltrx · Sep 18, 2014

Get a set of chains and keep them behind the seat for really bad conditions. You also need a set of decent tires, there are several types of modern snow tires available. Lastly, keep some weight in the bed. If you find yourself out and it starts snowing bad, keep a shovel handy and just load the bed up with snow for extra weight. BTW, the difference of chains vs no chains will be just as pronounced with an open diff vs a limited slip. I use chains on vehicles with open diffs all the time and they do make a huge difference.

diesel lover · Sep 19, 2014

Verticaltrx said:
Get a set of chains and keep them behind the seat for really bad conditions. You also need a set of decent tires, there are several types of modern snow tires available. Lastly, keep some weight in the bed. If you find yourself out and it starts snowing bad, keep a shovel handy and just load the bed up with snow for extra weight. BTW, the difference of chains vs no chains will be just as pronounced with an open diff vs a limited slip. I use chains on vehicles with open diffs all the time and they do make a huge difference.

Thanks for the advice! last winter I tried to keep my fuel above half a tank at all times, I kept a short handled flat head shovel like for gardening, 4 bags of tube sand in the bed adding up to 240 pounds, and a bucket of road salt which is ideal for shoving tightly in front and behind tires when my vehicle or someone else's has become trapped on the ice, and I would get methanol washer fluid from my job. The methanol washer fluid has an unbelievable ability to melt ice. Smells pretty bad to most people lol! I always keep a stretchable recovery strap as well.

While I am shopping for better winter tires I'm am also trying to decide if I should get tire chains or the tire cables. I'm skeptical of the cables but im hearing good things about them as well. I would like to walk into a store and get tire chains rather than order online but i might have to get them online.

I have noticed more expensive tire chains may tighten up on the tires better and also they may last longer. Just not sure what to get as far as automotive chains go but $60 to $120 is a great buy if they are needed while trying to get home safely. As I mentioned before during the winter I need to get around. When I need to plow snow I have to get there and back so I can earn extra income.

kevinwak · Sep 19, 2014

I used to have a truck just like yours. 97 F150 long bed 2wd. Mine ha the 4.6 V8 and limited slip diff. At first I ran Cooper Discoverer studded winter tires In the rear. That truck became unstoppable. I could go off-roading in the winter in places friends in their 4wf with all season tires were getting stuck. I also had a set of tire chains for it. I only used them twice, but in one case it saved me having to get somebody to find me and tow me out when I was ten miles into the bush and slid off the side if a cutline.
I later had Bridgestone blizzaks on it. They are treat tires, and I have a set for my wife's van now, but the studded coopers were better.
For weight I had two Rubbermaid tubs full of sand strapped down and with a 2X6 in front of them to keep them from sliding. I started using three of the 18"X24" concrete sidewalk blocks in my current truck for weight. They sit flat on the box bottom so I still have full use if the bed.

Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet

diesel lover · Sep 19, 2014

I have heard the cooper discoverer are perfect snow tires! Just as well I am still considering studded tires. They just sound unbeatable. I have two old rims to install the studded tires on as well. Is it okay to drive with studded tires on dry pavement if the ice were to melt? For instance, if I were to drive to work with ice and snow and then on the way home the roads were clear and melted would it be extremely harmful to the studs to drive on pavement? And yes I have read that studs cause tires to not stop well on pavement

Capricious · Sep 19, 2014

".. more expensive tire chains may tighten up on the tires better .."

You might want to get some of those rubber chain tensioners, or at least a handfull of short & stout rubber bungee cords.

I would get chains. If you eventually end up with a 4WD, you can modify the chains and use them on a tractor.

RedNeckRacin · Sep 19, 2014

The studded tires usually have time restrictions on them. Say Oct-March? Drive them anytime in there. The tire chains def have an art to getting them on, god bless ya if you can get them tight without readjusting after a couple revolutions. Studded tires are fantastic and are usually fairly cheap. My dad has told me stories about having a trans am in Alaska with all 4 tires studded and he never had a problem except the stones eating away his rear quarter panels. Any thing that is designed for snow and ice will work better than an all season tire. When I had my 1 ton SRW diesel, I used to carry 600 lbs of sand in the bed just so I could ease out out on the ice and snow intersections(With alimited slip). With the toque those trucks pump out, its a fine art to pull away in 2wd. Drop it into 4x4 though and that heavy motor really made the front tires grip well. I'll second the unstoppable comment from above about the open diff 2wd Heavy duty trucks being a tank in the snow. I can push snow with the front bumper on the international when I have the chains on. I don't make a habit of it, but sometime you have to haul hay and the guy doesn't have things plowed out yet!

Dave M7040 · Sep 19, 2014

Consider screw in tire studs. Large graders and loaders use them and they have a size for trucks.
You put them in in the fall and remove them in the spring using a cordless drill and a supplied tool.
Trucks Tires Studs - Ice Studs - Snow Studs | Maxigripstore
Dave M7040